Bribe Trap: Rajasthan ACB Nabs Bundi Official Red-Handed
A Junior Technical Assistant in Bundi was caught red-handed by the Kota ACB while accepting a bribe to clear construction bills.
In a swift operation that sent shockwaves through the Taleda Panchayat Samiti, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Kota has arrested a Junior Technical Assistant (JTA) for accepting a bribe of Rs 70,000. The official was caught in a meticulously planned trap after allegations surfaced that he was demanding commissions to clear pending payments for construction projects.
The Demand: Pay to Get Paid
The case came to light when a complainant approached the ACB with a serious allegation. According to the report, the JTA was demanding a cut in exchange for clearing bills related to construction work valued at approximately Rs 10 lakh. The official allegedly claimed that the bribe was not just for himself, but also for an Assistant Engineer (AEN).
The greed didn't stop there; the JTA reportedly demanded an additional Rs 10,000 specifically to clear older, pending bills, effectively holding up the payments until his demands were met.
The Sting Operation
Once the complaint was verified, the Kota ACB, acting under the guidance of an Additional Superintendent of Police, laid a trap on Wednesday. The complainant was instructed to visit the Panchayat Samiti and hand over the requested Rs 70,000 to the official.
As soon as the JTA accepted the cash, the ACB team swooped in and apprehended him red-handed. The sudden arrest created a stir among the staff and visitors within the Panchayat Samiti premises.
Deep Dive into Assets
Following the arrest, the accused was transported to Kota for intense questioning. The ACB didn't stop at the arrest; they launched a comprehensive search operation at the official's residence in Taleda. Investigators are currently scrutinizing:
- Bank account statements and financial transactions.
- Documents related to movable assets.
- Records of immovable properties.
Expanding the Investigation
The ACB is now widening its probe to uncover a potentially larger network of corruption. Investigators are specifically looking into the role of the Assistant Engineer (AEN) mentioned by the complainant. The agency is working to determine if the commission money was being shared with other higher-ranking officials within the department.
A formal case has been registered against the Junior Technical Assistant under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The accused is scheduled to be produced in court tomorrow.